Newmarket and Dromtariffe in top of the table clash
BOTH the Ducon Cup and the Twohigs Supervalu JAHL are taking shape, Boherbue and Kiskeam are assured of semi berths in the JAFL with the remaining two positions resting between Lyre, Knocknagree, Cullen and Dromtariffe.
From a competitive Twohigs Supervalu JAHL, Dromtariffe and Newmarket looked assured of a semi final slots yet a number of teams remain in contention for places in the penultimate hurdle with Kilbrin, Freemount, Banteer and Millstreet searching for the remaining two slots.
A top of the table clash sees Newmarket welcome Dromtariffe this Friday evening in the prospect of an appealing clash between two unbeaten sides. The contest revives memories of their JAHC Final clash from last season when Dromtariffe ushered in a new era to lift a historic first time Duhallow title.
A sharper and better balanced side, Dromtariffe emerged far stronger in all departments and hurled with a greater fervour. Holding a definite edge, a blistering start for the new champions paid handsome dividends with a cracking goal from full forward Conor Cremin.
For a spell, Newmarket rose to the challenge with points to Barry O’Connor, Donal Hannon and Ryan O’Keeffe helped force parity. However Dromtariffe wrested back control thanks to the workrate of Conor O’Callaghan and man of the match Kevin Cremin, the closing spell to the opening half proved fruitful, highlighted by a Daniel O’Keeffe goal for a clear 2-10 to 0-9 advantage.
And Dromtariffe continued to enjoy the upperhand on the restart, Evan Murphy and Tomás Howard pointing. Newmarket battled bravely and game to the end yet their efforts weren’t good enough in the face of the inevitable where Dromtariffe’s joy knew no bound on a historic triumph.
With new coaches on board in both Dromtariffe and Newmarket, the two teams began the new season on a positive note, the pair unbeaten in league and championship. That augurs well for the months ahead, both Dromtariffe and Newmarket are certainties for the knock-out phase in this league yet expect a competitive battle in their keenness to retain their excellent form.